Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Karla Davis, Commissioner

What benefits are available as part of the most recently approved federal extensions?
Who is eligible for federal extension benefits?
What do I need to do if I believe I’m eligible for federal extension benefits?
If I run out of my regular UI benefits, how do I file the first federal extension that’s been available?
Do I need to reapply for any federal extensions?
Can I check the status of my extended benefit checks online?
Can I use the same PIN number that I use to check the status of my regular UI checks to check the status of my extension benefit checks?
If an extension is automatically filed for me by EDD, what will I be receiving in the mail?
What if I’m still having difficulty in finding a job?
What if I have questions about my claim and available benefits that are not answered here?

Work Search Requirements FAQs
Why did I receive a notice of new work search requirements for the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Program?
What are the work search requirements for collecting federal extension benefits?
The notice I received says I have to make two job contacts each week. What does the TDLWD consider to be a job contact?

 

 

What benefits are available as part of the most recently approved federal extensions?
In February 2012, federal legislation was enacted extending the deadlines for federally funded unemployment benefits through December 2012. The changes to the structure of federal benefits will gradually reduce the number of benefit weeks available and created new requirements to continue receiving unemployment benefits. This change did not create additional benefits for those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits.

 

The last tier of the federal unemployment program known as Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) has triggered off due to Tennessee’s improving unemployment rate. The first three tiers of the program are still available, but the benefit weeks of each tier will be reduced in September. Claimants were able to transition to Tier 4 before 4/21/12. Those who were enrolled in Tier 4 prior to 4/21/12 can exhaust the remaining benefits within that tier. All claimants collecting federal benefits beyond the state’s first 26 weeks will receive their last benefit payment the first week of January 2013 when all federal extensions of unemployment expire.

 

The Extended Benefit Program (EB), the last 20 weeks (maximum) of federal benefits, ended in April 2012.

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Who is eligible for federal extension benefits?
Federal extension benefits are designed to provide further income support to eligible unemployed workers who have been out of work for a long period of time. The current legislation makes December 23, 2012, the deadline for filing a first federal extension of benefits, once a regular UI claim runs out. The deadline for filing a second, or third federal extension of benefits is also December 23, 2012, once the prior level of extension runs out.

 

 

What do I need to do if I believe I’m eligible for federal extension benefits?
The TDLWD should be able to automatically file federal extension claims for unemployed workers who have exhausted all available benefits. This will help you transition seamlessly into your first federal extension or into the next available federal extension as long as you remain otherwise eligible.
Claimants are notified by mail each time they transition from one benefit program to another (ex. A “Letter of Determination” is received when a claimant completes Tennessee’s Unemployment Compensation program and transitions to the first tier of federal benefits called EUC08). A claimant is also notified if a program is expiring. It is the claimant’s responsibility to keep track of the weeks they have available to them.  Information about your account can be seen by logging into your account at https://ui.tn.gov/Pages/PersonalInformation.aspx

 

 

If I run out of my regular UI benefits, how do I file the first federal extension that’s been available?
Once you have exhausted your entitlement to your regular UI claim, you may be eligible to file the first extension. The TDLWD will automatically file the first extension and send you notification. No action is required on your part.
When the first federal extension is filed, a notice and claim forms will be sent to eligible claimants. Claimants should continue certifying by phone or Internet.

 

 

Do I need to reapply for the second and third federal extensions?
Once you have collected all benefits payable on your current federal extension, you may be eligible to file the next federal extension in the series. If you are eligible, TDLWD will automatically file the next federal extension and send you an additional notification. No action is required on your part.

 

 

Can I check the status of my extended benefit checks online?
No, you cannot check the status of your extended benefit checks online. However, you can check the status of any UI benefit check, including extended benefit checks, by using our automated telephone system. You will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your information. You create your PIN using the automated telephone system.

 

 

Can I use the same PIN number that I use to check the status of my regular UI checks to check the status of my extension benefit checks?
Yes, you can use the same PIN number to check the status of any UI benefit check, including extended benefit checks.

 

 

If an extension is automatically filed for me by the TDLWD, what will I be receiving in the mail?
If the first or third federal extension is filed for you, you will receive a notice informing you that your federal extension has been filed, and a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks.
If the second federal extension is filed for you, you will receive a Continued Claim Form, DE 4581, for the first two weeks. You will have already received notification of the amount of your second extension on the check stub for the last payment on your first federal extension.

 

 

What if I’m still having difficulty in finding a job?
Employment opportunities are improving in Tennessee. In some cases you may need some assistance in making sure your resume is updated or maybe you need to enhance your skills through training to meet the requirements of upcoming job openings. No-fee job search assistance is available through a Career Center near you. Just visit the TDLWD Web site to find a Career Center: http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/cc/cccounty.shtml.

 

 

What if I have questions about my claim and available benefits that are not answered here?
The EDD encourages all of our customers to submit your claim questions online. Just visit the Unemployment section of the EDD website and select Contact Unemployment and look for the AskEDD link to submit questions online, as well as phone numbers for calling our UI Call Centers. Please be aware that high demand can make it more difficult to get through by phone so online can provide a more convenient option for contacting UI program representatives.

 

 

Work Search Requirements FAQs

 

Why did I receive a notice of new work search requirements for the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Program?
Recent federal legislation signed by the president requires that individuals collecting on federal extension benefits meet new work search requirements. The TDLWD is required by federal law to notify all individuals who have a federal extension filed of these new work search requirements. You received a notice because you have been identified as being potentially impacted by the new work search requirements. This is because you are either currently collecting one of the three tiers of federal extensions or you have a federal extension on file that has a balance remaining on it that could potentially be reopened in the future.

 

If you are currently collecting federal extension benefits, you must conduct documented work searches and take part in in-person case management to continue collecting federal extension benefits.  Failure to meet one or more of the work search requirements may result in disqualification of your federal extension benefits.

 

If you are not currently collecting federal extension benefits, this notice advises of the new work search requirements you will need to meet if you reopen and begin collecting on the federal extension in the future. You do not need to contact the TDLWD regarding this notice at this time.

 

 

What are the work search requirements for collecting federal extension benefits?
As with regular state unemployment benefits, individuals receiving Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) must be able to work, available to work, and actively seeking work as a condition of eligibility. In addition, all claimants collecting on federal extensions will be required to conduct two documented work searches each week and maintain a work search log provided by the state. Employers will be randomly contacted to verify the claimant was not fraudulently listing jobs for which they had applied.

Work search activity for each week must be recorded and submitted to the TDLWD for review upon request. Failure to return the completed work search log as directed, or returning an incomplete work search log, will result in a disqualification of benefits.

An online weekly work search form is available at www.tn.gov/labor-wfd or at your local Tennessee Career Center.
UPDATE: Recently passed state legislation will require everyone receiving state and federal benefits to conduct three documented work searches each week to continue receiving unemployment benefits. This law takes effect September 1, 2012.

In addition to work search documentation, claimants colleting on federal extenions will be required to attend case management at a Tennessee Career Center. Case management will include an orientation at the Tennessee Career Center, eligibility review, assessment of skills, participation in job service workshops, and commitment to a work search plan. Claimants who transition into the first and second tiers of federal benefits will be required to participate.
 
Claimants will be contacted by mail with instructions on requirements to continue receiving unemployment benefits. You may update your address information at https://ui.tn.gov/Pages/PersonalInformation.aspx

 

 

The notice I received says I have to make two job contacts each week. What does the TDLWD consider to be a job contact?
The following are considered acceptable methods of contact with employers.

 

Submitting applications with employers who may have openings suitable to you.
Looking in the newspaper or Internet. If you use this as one of your job contacts you must provide the name of the newspaper or Internet site, the Internet address if applicable where you searched for work, the date, the type of work you looked for, and the results of your work search.
Seeking work with former employers.
Completing applications and examinations for civil service or governmental jobs where there are reasonable prospects of work. This includes completing applications and examinations on the internet.
Attending a job search related training workshop. If you use this as one of your job contacts
You must provide the name of the workshop, the name of the agency that sponsored the workshop, the name of the person who gave the workshop, and the date of the workshop
Registering for suitable work with a private employment agency or an employer’s placement facility.
Responding to want ads for suitable work.
Sending résumés by mail or Internet.

 

The following are considered unacceptable to meet the requirement that you make at least 3 job contacts each week.

Making fewer than two contacts each week.
Making two contacts with the same employer each week.
If the dates for employer contacts are missing or if the contact dates are made outside of the weeks of unemployment for which you are certifying.
If all or most of the employer contact information is missing.